A doctor has warned of a sticky symptom that could be a sign of a dangerous cancer, stating “you shouldn’t ignore this”. As most people are aware, cancer is a potentially deadly disease that occurs when abnormal cells divide and spread in an uncontrolled way.
These cells can also spread to and damage nearby tissue and organs.
According to Cancer Research UK, there are around 375,000 new cancer cases diagnosed in the UK every year – or 1,000 every day.
And the disease accounts for 167,000 fatalities annually. Therefore, being aware of any of the warning signs could be life-saving.
With this in mind, Doctor Jen Caudle, from the US, shared nine key signs of cancer via social media platform TikTok.
One such sign was night sweats, she warned. Dr Caudle explained: “Night sweats can be due to a number of things, but we have to make sure in many, many situations that it is not cancer.”
Many of us experience some form of sweating at night, especially during the summer months.
But regularly waking up to find yourself and your bedding coated in sweat could be a red flag sign of cancer.
The NHS explains: “Most people sweat during the night If you regularly wake up with soaking wet sheets you should get it checked by a GP.
“Night sweats are when you sweat so much that your night clothes and bedding are soaking wet, even though where you’re sleeping is cool.”
On its website, Cancer Research UK lists “very heavy night sweats” as one of the general signs of cancer.
However, it adds that it could also be a side effect of medications or less serious illnesses.
The charity says: “Sweating at night or having a high temperature (fever) can be caused by infections or a side effect of certain medications.
“It’s also often experienced by women around the time of the menopause.”
However, the charity advises seeing your GP if you do experience this symptom.
“But speak to your doctor if you have very heavy, drenching night sweats, or an unexplained fever,” it adds.
Dr Caudle went on to reveal other symptoms of cancer you should get checked out:
- Unintentional weight loss
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Swollen lymph nodes
- A nagging cough
- A hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Lumps and bumps anywhere
- Bloating.
If you experience any unexplained symptoms you should speak to your GP.
